A Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code for 30-minute psychotherapy is used to report a short individual therapy visit. In most outpatient settings, this service is billed with CPT code 90832. The code represents a focused psychotherapy session that may include assessment, support, or clinical discussion.
Licensed clinicians, such as Anat Joseph, LCSW, PsyA, use this code to document psychotherapy services clearly and follow billing rules.
Key Takeaways
- CPT code 90832 is used for individual psychotherapy sessions lasting 16–37 minutes of face-to-face time and is billed as a standalone service code.
- Psychotherapy codes are chosen based on session length: 90834 for 38–52 minutes and 90837 for 53 minutes or more.
- Only licensed mental health professionals can bill mental health CPT codes, and billing is subject to licensure and payer approval.
- Documentation must show both session length and clinical need, especially for longer sessions billed under CPT 90837.
- There is no separate CPT code for 90-minute psychotherapy; longer sessions are reported using CPT 90837 when the rules are met.
What Is the 90832 CPT Code
CPT code 90832 is a service code for short individual psychotherapy sessions. It is used when a clinician provides therapy that meets time and documentation rules. The code is part of the larger set of mental health CPT codes used in behavioral health. It describes the length and type of care, not the treatment outcome.
This code is common in outpatient therapy settings. It helps insurers review and process mental health services. Using the correct service code supports clear communication between clinicians and payers. This consistency helps protect both patients and providers.
Clinicians may use this code during cognitive, supportive, or insight-based therapy, including work informed by modern psychoanalysis. The key requirement is that psychotherapy services occur within the time range. Documentation must reflect this clearly.
CPT psychotherapy codes are defined by the American Medical Association and used by insurers in the United States. These definitions set clear rules for reporting psychotherapy services. Consistent use supports accuracy and compliance. This structure guides both care and billing.
CPT Code for 30 Minute Individual Psychotherapy
The CPT code for a 30-minute psychotherapy session is usually 90832. It describes a short, focused therapy visit. The session may address symptoms, stress, or progress toward goals listed in the treatment goals of psychotherapy. It does not apply to family therapy or group care.
The phrase “CPT code for individual psychotherapy for 30 minutes” often causes confusion. Code 90832 is not an add-on code. It is billed separately when the criteria are met. Using the wrong code can lead to billing problems.
From a billing view, CPT 90832 is submitted as a standalone service code. Insurers check that psychotherapy services were provided and that time rules were met. Review often focuses on face-to-face time and provider credentials. Clear notes support proper processing.
Session Length and Time Rules
The time spent in therapy is key when choosing psychotherapy codes. Only time spent in active psychotherapy counts. Tasks like scheduling or note writing do not count. Accurate time tracking is required.
The following time ranges are commonly used:
| CPT Code | Session Length | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 90832 | 16–37 minutes | Individual psychotherapy, short-duration session focused on assessment, intervention, or clinical support. |
| 90834 | 38–52 minutes | Individual psychotherapy, standard session length used for ongoing outpatient mental health services. |
| 90837 | 53 minutes or more | Individual psychotherapy, extended session requiring additional clinical time and documentation. |
Sources
Disclosures
All session length ranges shown reflect standard CPT time thresholds published by professional and regulatory sources. No approximations or estimates are used.
These ranges help mental health professionals select the correct service code.
Minimum and Maximum Billable Minutes
CPT code 90832 applies when therapy lasts 16-37 minutes. Sessions under 16 minutes cannot be billed with this code. Longer sessions require a different psychotherapy code. These limits are strict.
Sessions lasting 38-52 minutes use CPT 90834. Sessions lasting 53 minutes or more use CPT 90837. This includes sessions close to 60 minutes. Choosing the correct code protects billing accuracy.
Who Can Use Bill Psychotherapy CPT Codes
Only licensed mental health professionals can bill psychotherapy codes. This includes social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and other licensed providers, including licensed psychoanalysts. Each insurer sets its own approval rules. Providers must confirm eligibility.
These clinicians provide mental health services within legal and ethical limits. Billing must match the provider’s license and payer contract. Billing outside one’s scope may lead to denial. Proper use supports safe and compliant care.
Initial Mental Health Evaluation Code 90791
CPT code 90791 is used for an initial mental health evaluation. It focuses on assessment, not psychotherapy services. The visit may include history, diagnosis, and planning. Therapy codes cannot be used simultaneously.
The 90791 CPT code description supports use at the start of care or during review. It helps shape the treatment plan. Time rules differ from psychotherapy codes. These codes should not be combined for the same service.
Longer Psychotherapy Session CPT Codes
When therapy lasts longer than the 90832 range, other psychotherapy codes apply. These codes reflect longer clinical time. Choosing the correct code supports accurate reporting. It also meets payer rules.
Longer sessions are common in ongoing therapy. They allow more time for clinical work when needed. Clear definitions reduce confusion. The sections below explain these codes.
90834 CPT Code Description and Time
CPT code 90834 is used for sessions lasting 38-52 minutes. It represents a standard therapy visit that is shorter than a full hour. This code is common in outpatient care. It supports reporting of mid-length psychotherapy services.
The code focuses on time and the presence of psychotherapy. It does not define the therapy method. Clinicians must record face-to-face time. Clear notes support correct use.
90837 CPT Code Description and Time
CPT code 90837 applies to sessions lasting 53 minutes or more. It is used for extended psychotherapy. The code reflects time, not diagnosis. It requires strong documentation.
This code is often reviewed closely by insurers. Time alone is not enough. Notes must show why extended therapy was needed. Clear records support compliance.
Difference Between 90834 and 90837
The main difference between 90834 and 90837 is time. CPT 90834 covers 38-52 minutes, while 90837 starts at 53 minutes. Both are individual psychotherapy codes. Neither specifies therapy style.
Longer sessions require more detail in notes. Insurers may review 90837 more closely. Clinicians should bill based on actual time. This supports proper reimbursement.
CPT Code for 90 Minute Psychotherapy
There is no separate CPT code for 90-minute psychotherapy. Sessions of this length are billed using CPT 90837. The code covers extended sessions beyond one hour. Time must be documented clearly.
Very long sessions need a clear clinical reason. Notes should explain why more time was needed. This helps during review. Clear documentation supports ethical billing.
90837 Documentation and Reimbursement
CPT 90837 often faces closer review than shorter psychotherapy codes. Documentation must support both time and clinical need. Reimbursement depends on the insurer and plan. Rates vary.
Billing must match clinical care. Good documentation reduces delays. It also supports transparency in medical services. The next sections explain key points.
CPT 90837 Documentation Requirements
Documentation must include total face-to-face time. Notes should describe the psychotherapy services provided. The clinical focus and response should be clear. This shows medical necessity.
Notes should also explain why extended therapy was needed. Content should link to the treatment plan and current needs. Insurers often review this detail. Clear notes protect compliance.
90837 CPT Code Reimbursement and FSA Eligibility
Reimbursement for CPT 90837 varies by payer. Some plans require extra review. Rates are often higher than for shorter sessions. Providers should check payer rules.
Psychotherapy services billed under valid mental health CPT codes may be FSA eligible. Patients should confirm with their plan. Providers should not promise coverage.
Family Psychotherapy CPT Code 90847
CPT code 90847 is used for family therapy with the patient present. It is different from individual psychotherapy codes. This code applies when family interaction is the focus. Time alone does not define it.
Family therapy addresses shared concerns. It is a separate psychotherapy service. Clinicians must choose the correct service code. Accurate coding supports payment.
Common Psychotherapy Billing Mistakes
A common error is billing based on scheduled time instead of actual face-to-face time. Another mistake is using individual codes for family therapy. Mixing evaluation and therapy codes can also cause denial. Careful review helps avoid errors.
Incorrect use of add-on codes is another issue. Providers should avoid misuse. Ongoing billing education helps with accuracy. A clear understanding of psychotherapy codes protects care and practice integrity.
Discussing Care Options
If you have questions about psychotherapy services or how sessions are structured, a consultation can help. It offers time to review concerns and discuss care options.
Anat Joseph, LCSW, PsyA, is one of the licensed psychoanalysts in NYC offering consultations as part of her clinical practice. You may choose to schedule a consultation to discuss next steps.
